leap into
the sound calling
it is not doors
clasping frames
or footsteps on gravel
giving the listener
a sense of direction
it is not laughter
of conversation
or external music
bringing melodic
enjoyment
it is not cheering
of a crowd
during special occasions
or sewn strips
of creaking houses
it is our ability
to understand
our conscious

-Jennie Nawrocki

without even knowing
a step out the door
for only a few minutes
unguarded from protection
a walk here
a look there
the once pale skin
of winter
almost translucent
in appearance
slowly becomes opaque
the pigment darkens
and deep tones
take hold
giving the skin
a toasty tan

-Jennie Nawrocki

on the sidewalk
they passed
knowing each other
instantly, though
they had never met
familiarity brings
need of getting together
setting up drinks
getting to know
the person they
were already
comfortable with
feeling the need
he changes direction
quickly goes
to meet up
it isn’t a pick up line
saying simply
hello
she responded
encouraging now
the conversation
that will
continue forever

-Jennie Nawrocki

small, petite, miniscule
bites of flavor
enlivening senses
as the barrier
bursts open
protecting inner seeds
several consumed
in one sitting
careful separation
gives portions
for spitting
and others
for eating
as a way to
enjoy the necessary
goodness it provides
although the differences
are quite noticeable
some say
the comparisons
are inconsequential
though whether neutral
or stained with color
with either
the shell or seed
eaten readily
they are edible
in every way
though each person
has at least
one preference
of sunflower seeds
or pomegranate kernels

-Jennie Nawrocki

hooked for stability
a nail goes into the wall
it is there
measured for accuracy
accompanied by others
if needed
to hold those items
secure for function
of decoration
forgotten it seems
as it is hidden
behind objects
of need
though changing
around us
as we morph
our worlds

-Jennie Nawrocki

strangers intermix
amongst cities
tightly woven
of activity
for one encounter
brings gentle
kindness to those
who they may
never see again
though give another
feelings of belonging
just as they
received initially
from those interactions
where strangers intermix

-Jennie Nawrocki

a simple thing
when not knowing
answers to
complications of the brain
most fret and worry
for unfound answers
others research
many rely on
information passed
from one to the next
though twisted
can be the results
finding the source
where it began
gives the
information needed
really it is
a simple thing

-Jennie Nawrocki

hollow are the bones
for weight must
be thin and light
covered with feathers
ruffled with wind
over an ocean
birds never fly
needing land
to gather things
of sustenance
though the little bits
dropped along the way
serve as reminders
of what to avoid
gazing at its beauty

-Jennie Nawrocki